Each summer comes with a little additional planning, like doing the chores early to beat the heat, or covering up before going out into the sun for long periods of time. Owners are being urged to take the same care for pets as summer sets in. 

While the summertime comes with its own challenges, for pets many of the hazards they face are high risk and out of their control.

Australian Vet Association (AVA) President Dr Warwick Vale said that there are many precautions that can save pets from both discomfort and health risks over the warmer months. 

“The upcoming festive period also reminds us to not feed certain food items to pets, such as onions from the barbeque or fatty leftovers from the table which can be a real danger to pets, requiring veterinary attention,” Dr Vale said.

“Summertime also means snakes and paralysis ticks may be more prevalent – which can mean an increased risk to your pet, and if affected, urgent veterinary attention is required,” he said. 

Pet owners should also be on the lookout for heatstroke, which can cause organ failures or death and are particularly common in pets with thick or long coats, very young or old animals, or short-nosed or flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs. 

Owners can avoid heatstroke by: 

• Keeping pets indoors or providing a shaded space with cool ground
• Making sure fresh water is always available
• Walk dogs in the morning or late afternoon to avoid full sun and a ot ground, which could burn your dogs paws
• Feed your pets frozen treats

The RSPCA has warned that leaving pets in a car or vehicle -where temperatures can reach more than double the outside temperature - could cause the animal to die in just six minutes. 

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Ambrose Doolan said that authorities will be keeping an eye out for dogs left unattended in vehicles over the summer. 

“It is illegal to leave an animal in a car that is not running with the air conditioner on, any breaches of this should be reported to local police or Council’s Compliance Officers,” Cr Doolan said. 

Pets are also susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, especially white-haired dogs and cats. The RSPCA recommends using et sunscreen on some animals, or keeping pets in the shade as much as possible.